I was a pretty athletic kid and fairly skinny through high school (although I never felt it). But, when I hit college, I gained a lot of weight from stress and emotional eating. Although I continued to stay fairly active by rowing crew, playing volleyball, hiking, climbing, running and doing a number of triathlons, I have always remained overweight.

I'm here to do something about that.

Seems that my approach in the past has always been to overdo it--work out too ...

I was a pretty athletic kid and fairly skinny through high school (although I never felt it). But, when I hit college, I gained a lot of weight from stress and emotional eating. Although I continued to stay fairly active by rowing crew, playing volleyball, hiking, climbing, running and doing a number of triathlons, I have always remained overweight.

I'm here to do something about that.

Seems that my approach in the past has always been to overdo it--work out too hard, eat too much, eat too little. I'd be really into whatever mode I was in, and then *flash* I'd be overwhelmed and done with it.

So, my goal this time around is to take small steps--allow time for adjustments--be forgiving to myself--make it the lifestyle change that sticks.

What I ultimately want out of this is to turn 50 (in 9 years) as a healthy, fit, vibrant woman. I want to be the role model for other women. I want to look in the mirror and see a strong, well balanced woman looking back. I want to be able to do the activities I love--backpacking, hiking, biking, climbing--without suffering through it. I want to be able to at least finish (if not keep pace during) activities with my friends. I want to feel confident wearing form fitting clothes.

In order to reach these goals, I'll be here working on small steps to increasing my confidence. Along with that, I'll need to work on exuding confidence to others. To have this stick, I'm working on this in all areas of my life--volunteering, career, skill development and fun.

For the next two months, my goals are to focus on emotional health and fitness/diet.

June--Get into the habit of regular exercise--biking, hiking, running, swimming, yoga, and weights.

Hi , We are in the same Spark Class, since we are coming up on our 4th anniversary I thought I would look up my classmates. Very few of us are still active. Stop by the team page sometime! I am still struggling with the weight, but I hope you are finding success! Dee

Do you realize what an accomplishment that really is? Most of the thousands who joined when you did have QUIT. They wanted to get slim and fit but they weren't willing to put out the effort it takes to get there, and NOW I know they wish they'd done what you have!!

I know you will set knew goals and this second year will be even better! As CHER says: This is your life and it isn't a dress rehearsal.